New gymnasium impresses

CORNING – While work crews were still in super-busy mode at Corning-Painted Post High School – school officials took some time Friday to show off the new gymnasium to the media.

The new home of Hawks indoor sports, the gym will feature one main floor, with an added basketball court-sized addition that can be walled off. The entire court floor is surrounded by a three-lane walking track on the upper level.

"There really are no words to describe it. I think breathtaking doesn’t do it justice," C-PP Superintendent Michael Ginalski said. "It has exceeded every expectation that everyone that was involved in the planning ever had.

"If I’m a kid in Corning-Painted Post or a kid in a neighboring community or I’m a family in a neighboring community, I want to come to Corning to be in this facility. We’re very excited."

As the first day of school approaches for the new combined high school, Ginalski reflected on the changes that he’s witnessed since the official groundbreaking on the expansion was held June 22, 2012.

"It’s been such a blur. So much work has been done over that time," Ginalski said. "Seeing the progress from beginning to end. I remember being in (the new gym) when it was just a mud hole.

"Just seeing the reaction of the yearbook kids – their genuine shock and awe – made it all worthwhile. I’m jacked up."

According to Ginalski, the excitement isn’t just contained to the athletic facilities.

"It doesn’t matter if you’re in one of the science rooms, the art rooms, the cafeteria or the theater – it’s exceeded every expectation," he said. "Finally, kids in Corning have great facilities – and that’s what I’m most proud of."